​Many people claim regular facials are critical to their healthy skin. Some people go regularly for facials, some go monthly, some only go when they are having serious with their skin or some do not go at all!

If you can afford it, I would definitely try a good facialist from time to time. It’s great to get professional hands on your skin and also just feels really nice to treat yourself from time to time. However, I know I do not want to spend 100s to 1,000s of dollars on things I can do at home.

There are 1,000s of DIY recipes known today that can be done just in the comfort of your home. I know many homemade recipes and store bought products that are very similar, if not identical to the same procedures done in a cosmetic office. Depending on your skin concerns, the following options can give you really great results at home when done correctly and regularly:

​Professional Service: Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are just chemicals applied to the skin to who help peel and rejuvenate the skin. This can help immensely with acne, dark spots, uneven skin tone, wrinkles, etc. The intensity of a peel can vary from gentle to very intense. Some peels may cause minuscule peeling not seen by the visible eye and some peels can make you peel in sheets like a snake! It’s important to research different types of peels to determine which one is right for you.

​My favorite peels are from Make-Up Artist Choice. I highly recommend their products.​Average Professional Cost: $600-$900MUAC: About $20

MUAC ProLight Peel w/Hydroquinone

Professional Service: Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a non-chemical procedure. It uses a micro-crystal device to exfoliate the top layer of the skin.. With continual use, fresher, softer and more even toned skin will appear.

PMD Personal Microderm

MUAC Micro Polish

I got professional microdermabrasion done before and I really loved it. I also got pretty good results using an at home system and microdermabrasion scrubs as well.

Average Professional Cost: $75-$200 per sessionPersonal Microderm System: About $160 Microdermabrasion Scrubs: About $20

Professional Service: Light Therapy

Light-emitting diode (LED) therapy is a treatment that uses blue or red LED lighting to help target skin concerns. Blue light is used to kill bacteria on the skin; great for acne. Red light therapy is used to diminish wrinkles.

I’ve had blue light therapy done when I was teen and it was very effective in killing bacteria. Nowadays, you can get your own system at home to use whenever you like. Prices vary.

Average Professional Cost: $35-300 per sessionAt-Home Systems: About $30 and up

Quasar Clear Rayz - Clear Acne and Inflammation $249

illuMask Anti Acne Light Therapy Mask $29.99

Deesse Premium LED Mask

Professional Service: Dermarolling

​A facial session may also include different masks targeted for your skin type, steamers, and pore extraction treatments. These treatments can be done yourself in the comfort of your own home. There are 1,000s of DIY recipes, notable store masks and tools that can achieve the same thing.

TIP:

​For a good steam session: Boil a pot of boiling water, covering your head with a towel hold your head over the pot for a good 5-20 mins. You can also steep some green tea or essentials oils in the water to help rejuvenate your pores!

1. Pre-foundation: Prepare a good base for foundation

It’s important to take care of your skin before applying foundation! A good base will help the foundation apply flawless and increase longevity
It’s important to determine what base works best for you and gives you YOUR most desired look.

​ Do you prefer a Dewy Look?
Make sure to apply a great moisturizer and primer that is targeted to provide a more dewy look. An oil is also great to apply before foundation OR added to the foundation

Do you prefer a Matte look?
Apply a moisturizer and primer targeted for a more matte look. Let the moisturizer dry for a few minutres before applying foundation. The foundation will adhere to the skin better for a more matte or full coverage look, and will make the foundation last longer!

In between?
I apply an oil to my face before foundation and wait a few minutes for it to soak in. Then, I use a good primer that will minimize my pores, and make my make-up last long, but not dry out my skin.

BENEFIT COSMETICS - The POREfessional Face Primer

2. Find a foundation best for your skin type

Do you prefer a cream, liquid, mousse, powder?Light, Medium, Full Coverage?
Long lasting formulas?
Natural ingredients?Everyone is different.

I prefer a more full coverage look, so I prefer medium to full coverage foundations.

3. Use a beauty tool best for you

When dampened, the beauty blender is great for adding dewiness to the skin or providing a better coverage for dry skin.

When dry, the beauty blender will absorb less product and provide a more full coverage look

Do you prefer using a make-up brush?

Some prefer using a make-up brush when applying foundation. Depending on the density of the brush, coverage will vary

​I prefer using a Beauty Blender! In my opinion, it provides the best coverage. I use it damp when my face is drier, and wet when I want a little more dewiness.

beautyblender® pro

4. Find your favorite application techniques

Everyone likes to apply foundation their own way, figure out what works and looks best for you. Here’s my favorite way:

Apply a light and even coverage over my entire face

Go back over any acne spots, dark spots, uneven skin tones, or hyperpigmentation with more foundation concentrating the product on that spot, building the coverage to my liking.

​This will prevent overdone cakeface while still achieving a flawless look. I prefer going over any spots with a full coverage foundation versus concealer so the colors blend flawlessly and not give a patchy look.

TIPS:

Be sure to blend foundation in your hairline, ears, and down the neck to prevent the appearance of a maskFind the best color match to your skintone and undertones.Apply foundation in good lighting and close to a mirror. Outside lighting and bright vanity lighting works well. (You can also use the light on your iphone when without)

5. Complete the look!

a. Finish off the foundation with a great under eye concealer (1-2 shades lighter than your foundation color) to brighten your face

b. Set the foundation!It's very important to set your foundation with a powder if you want a more matte or lasting finish. You can also “bake” your face for increasing the longevity of your make-upFind a powder that works best for you: Translucent, Light Coverage, More Coverage, Mineral, etc.

Topping of your foundation with a powder that has a good coverage will provide even more coverage to your face when trying to conceal any acne or dark spots.

c. Add color back to your face so you don’t look overly muted or ghostly by applying your favorite blush, bronzer, and contour.d. Set your entire face with a good setting spray to add more dewiness, glow or a more blended coverage and increase the longevity of your make-up